When you think of leaks in the kitchen, you might expect them to come from the sink or the dishwasher. However, some refrigerators have icemakers or water dispensers, which means they could be to blame for water leaks in your kitchen.
The good news is that any leaks you see puddling underneath your refrigerator are going to be entirely water, as the coolant used in the appliance is a gas, not a liquid. However, you still need to take some immediate action to address the leak before you do any significant damage to your appliance or flooring.
Here is some information from a company specializing in commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR about what to do if your fridge is leaking.
Check the defrost drain
A blocked defrost drain could be the cause of leaks coming from your refrigerator. This should be the first spot in the appliance that you check out and attempt troubleshooting. Food particles or ice can jam up the area where the drain opens up, which will prevent water from the defrost cycle draining down into the pan. If the water builds up to a certain extent, it will start leaking out of the refrigerator.
You can clean out the drain by flushing it with hot water. A stiff wire can be used to remove solid blockages if necessary.
Check the drain pan
Sometimes the drain pan at the very bottom of the refrigerator can be the source of the leak if it develops a crack or hole. While small amounts of water will occasionally accumulate inside the drain pan, that water should not escape the pan—the pan is designed to prevent it from leaking outside of the refrigerator. Instead, the water in the drain pan should evaporate before leaking, as the condenser fan consistently blows warm air across the surface.
Pull out the drain pan and check for any signs of cracking or damage. If the pan is damaged, it can easily be replaced.
Look at connections to the icemaker
Sometimes the water lines that connect to the icemaker can come loose from the machine, or the seals holding it in place can form cracks. When this happens, the water line will leak and cause pooling under or around the refrigerator. The hoses themselves could also crack or tear, or develop kinks that cause leaks to form.
If the supply line is the issue, there will probably be water running from that line down to the floor. You can either tighten the connections or replace the line entirely. Sometimes the connectors themselves need to be replaced as well.
Check the water filter
Improper connections between the water supply and water filter can cause leakage issues. The filter could be installed incorrectly, or it could be the wrong size or model for the appliance. Check the filter, and if this is the issue causing the leak, make the replacement.
For more information about how to address refrigerator leaks, contact a contractor who provides service for commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR.
If you’re starting up a brewery or expanding your startup to pursue bigger and better production capabilities, you’re likely going to be making an investment in brewery equipment. And, when it comes to installing and integrating this equipment into your operations, it’s important to also invest in professional oversight—specifically the kind that comes from expertise with commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR.
Trusting a refrigeration expert is just about the best decision you can make for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at five of them:
First and foremost, there’s a lot of heating and cooling that comes with the brewing process. From boiling the ingredients and working with the mash, to chilling and refrigerating the finished brew, temperature control is critical. Knowing that your heating and cooling components are set up flawlessly will lead to confidence while brewing.
Second, a refrigeration expert will be able to integrate new equipment into any existing setup you might have. This is vital for not interrupting your existing brewing process or capabilities. The last thing you want to do is take two steps forward and one step back! Seamless integration is important and it’s something a commercial HVAC expert can offer.
Facilities setup is a third important reason to trust an HVAC and cooling professional. Breweries are often cramped, busy places. Having your equipment set up to ensure mobility and efficiency is important. Working with a cooling expert who has brewery equipment installation experience means maximizing your facilities and, in turn, your production efficiency.
Thinking long-term, having an HVAC and cooling expert handle your installation is going to pave the way for maintenance and repairs in the future. If you’re able to work with the same company from the get-go, your equipment will get a higher standard of service through consistency. You won’t have to worry about patchwork maintenance or repairs when you rely on the same individual or company time after time.
Finally, troubleshooting oversight is going to be a big reason to work with an expert. There’s a lot that could go wrong when it comes to commercial refrigeration in Eugene, OR. Having a professional who knows your setup means being able to get to the bottom of trouble fast, before it impacts your production. Instead of getting bad batches that lower your fulfillment, you’ll be able to figure out what’s wrong quicker, minimizing downtime.
Brewery equipment demands a keen understanding when it comes to installation. Be sure you’re leaving the installation to a professional with time-tested experience. Not only will you get a better level of performance and integration right at the outset, you’ll also get long-term peace of mind.
Whether you’re scaling up your budding brewery or you’re kicking the tires on your first large-scale brewing operation, the team at American Refrigeration Inc. is ready to provide you with a complete scope of services, tailored around brewing equipment installation. We want to be your long-term partner for operational success—get in touch with us today!
The operation of your commercial wine chiller is vital to your winery’s operations. Being able to reliably chill wine means being able to produce a product that’s ready for testing, packaging, serving or cellaring. If your chiller is on the fritz, you’re going to be left with a product that’s at risk of spoiling.
Don’t settle for room temperature wine that’s lacking in flavor or integrity! If your commercial chiller is on the fritz, call for commercial cooler repair in Eugene, OR and restore its function as quickly as possible. And, while you’re at it, it’s important to take stock of a few simple tips for proper maintenance, to help prevent any future breakdowns or inefficiencies:
Make sure your chiller is properly ventilated. Improper ventilation is one of the chief causes of a unit’s breakdown and can have long-term ramifications to its efficiency. Depending on the type of chiller you have, it may have either front or rear venting. Determine where your venting is located and make sure it’s never blocked or obstructed in any way.
Understand the effects of ambient temperature. If your chiller is located near anything hot or placed directly in an area of heavy sunlight, there’s a chance this ambient temperature could affect the performance of your unit. It’s smart to relocate and position your chiller away from other winery equipment and make sure direct sunlight is limited to a minimum.
Know the capacity. Nothing will cause problems for your chiller like overexertion. If you exceed its capacity, the sensors within the chiller will register higher temperatures for longer, since there’s more chilling to be done. Over time, this causes excess stress on the unit, which leads to premature breakdown of parts and components. Stick to the capacity listed and make sure you’re not exceeding the efficiency standards of the unit.
Clean your unit routinely. Cleaning your wine chiller will also serve to improve its efficiency and overall operation. If the chiller is kept clean and given the routine maintenance it needs, it won’t have to work as hard to accomplish its job of chilling your wine.
Pay attention to filtration. Chillers have a filtration component that helps them to keep the air within clean and purified, which in turn promotes better performance. These filters need to be changed out and replaced in routine intervals, to ensure they’re not having the inverse effect and making it harder for the unit to do its job.
Of course, in addition to all of the above, you’re going to want to have an HVAC professional out on a regular basis to inspect your chiller and provide any commercial cooler repair in Eugene, OR that might be needed to keep it running smoothly.
Staying on top of your chiller’s function will ultimately help you avoid costly breakdowns or inefficient operation, which can end up costing you money and leading to spoilage or tainting of your wine. The best approach to maintaining your chiller is a proactive one.
Commercial-grade refrigerators and freezers are used in many restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores. They range in size, anywhere from 4 feet by 4 feet to 10 feet by 10 feet, and some can even be as large as a standard size warehouse. Regardless of the size of the commercial cooling unit, it’s strongly advised that business owners and their employees are trained on worker safety for walk-in coolers. Coolers may look simple, but they pose plenty of hazards that can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
To ensure worker safety at your facility, let’s run through some of the most common workplace hazards associated with commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR.
Getting trapped inside
It’s a good thing that modern walk-in cooler units are equipped with safety releases on the doors. This feature is in place to ensure an employee does not get locked inside the unit by accident. Consider the temperature in these refrigeration rooms. They range from 28 degrees to 40 degrees, while freezers can be as low as -28 degrees. In the event of accidental entrapment, a person can quickly succumb to hypothermia or sudden death. The best way to prevent accidental entrapment is to always go to the coolers in pairs or prop the door open before stepping inside.
Toxin buildup
Mold or carbon dioxide buildup inside walk-in coolers is another risk to workers. The humidity inside storage coolers should be set to 60 percent to prevent fungal growth—mold growth can begin when moisture levels reach 70 percent. And, when condensation seeps into materials like cardboard, plastic foam and wood, the mold will form and spread quickly over any inside surfaces. Make sure your employees are regularly trained to detect the symptoms of mold exposure, like sneezing, coughing, sinus congestion and a sore throat. Your team should also be informed that storing dry ice inside refrigeration units causes carbon dioxide to accumulate and can reach unsafe levels very quickly.
Falling
Falling is another serious danger workers can run into inside commercial walk-in coolers. What makes walk-ins so slippery is that condensation can turn walkways into icy surfaces, so be sure to scrape and maintain these surfaces periodically to prevent slips and falls. To protect yourself against falls while working inside walk-in coolers, wear rubber-soled shoes with good traction.
Other hazards to note
It’s freezing inside walk-in cooler units, so plan on bundling up before going inside on. Keep warm coats, wool hats, gloves and socks near the entrances of coolers. Do not overload freezer shelves with packages and products, because they can collapse under the weight and fall onto someone. Finally, use only approved stepladders to reach things that are high up to prevent injury.
Is your commercial establishment in need of refrigeration or freezer repairs or services? Call on American Refrigeration Inc. to take care of your commercial walk-in coolers in Eugene, OR. We have over two decades of experience in the field and can help you ensure your equipment is functioning at its best.
Spring is almost here, which means it’s time to schedule a seasonal maintenance checkup for your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR. But to ensure your heater and air conditioner are ready to perform properly come spring, get a full maintenance package that includes a professional inspection, adjustments, repairs and cleanings. Below is a basic checklist with important spring HVAC maintenance tasks. Some are small tasks you can tackle yourself, while others should be done by a professional.
Why you need commercial HVAC maintenance
Commercial HVAC systems supply heat and cool air to large spaces, so you’ll want yours to work consistently to avoid unnecessary downtime. So, just like you do for your home’s heating and cooling systems, you should perform regular maintenance on your commercial HVAC system every season to ensure your equipment works when you need it to. What are the benefits of professional HVAC maintenance? Let’s take a look:
The HVAC equipment will work more efficiently, reducing the amount of energy it needs by 25 percent or more to keep your indoor commercial space comfortable.
Not only will your HVAC be reliable, but you’ll also experience fewer breakdowns and see a drop in equipment and maintenance costs—as much as 20 percent!
Hands down, HVAC maintenance in the spring means better indoor air quality. Humidity levels are better balanced, and there’s a reduction in the amount of airborne particulates and contaminants.
A spring HVAC maintenance checklist
If you’re ready to get started on maintenance for your commercial HVAC system, here’s a handy checklist you can use to ensure you’re covering your bases:
Change air filters: The job of air filters is to trap and remove unhealthy airborne particulates and contaminants, such as dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, pet hair and dander and other microscopic particles. With these particles out of the air, your customers and employees will breathe in clean air and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment. Filters are replaced during scheduled maintenance, but consider checking them between appointments and change them if they’re obviously dirty.
Clean indoor HVAC components: Make sure to clean the indoor components of your cooling system—including blower fans, control panels and evaporator coils. Also, clean and assess moving parts like fans. They may need lubrication to keep them operating smoothly.
Clean around outdoor condenser units: The condenser unit and other vital components are in an outdoor cabinet that needs cleaning from time to time. Along with cleaning, remove any debris that may block vents and reduce airflow through the system. The most common types of debris found around coils and vents include grass, mud, leaves, twigs, garbage and more. Don’t forget to wipe down the cabinet as well.
Check the refrigerant: Your cooling system needs refrigerant to properly capture and release heat. Your commercial HVAC technician will check the refrigerant level in your system and add refrigerant to the manufacturer’s specifications. If there are any leaks, they should be repaired immediately. It’s best not to use the system until all repairs are made.
If your commercial HVAC in Eugene, OR is in need of service or repairs, look no further than the experienced technicians at American Refrigeration Inc. Contact us today to schedule a visit!
